Graceless

Abstract

Grace goes through high school living in the comfort of the shadows. Jayden is quite the opposite; he is a confident, popular boy who is adored by many. After working together on a project with Jayden, Grace finds herself in an unbelievable situation—Jayden asks her out. He is everything she ever dreamed of.  For some time they are the perfect couple—he is caring and sweet, and she falls head over heels for him. However, on the day he confesses his feelings for her, something happens that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Set in a South African high school context, this short story explores a harrowing reality that thousands of South African women and teenagers face on a daily basis.